Owning a vehicle is a responsibility, but sometimes circumstances change.
What if your vehicle is no longer operational, or it’s too expensive to maintain?
Or perhaps you’re heading abroad and won’t need your car for a while.
The Motor Vehicle Storage service offered by the LTO could be a great option for you, then.
This service allows you to pause your vehicle’s registration and remove it from active status.
It’s an affordable option—just PHP 55—and gives you the convenience of not worrying about registration fees for as long as your vehicle is in storage.
What Is Motor Vehicle Storage?
Motor Vehicle Storage at the LTO allows vehicle owners to temporarily withdraw their vehicles from active registration.
During this time, you won’t pay annual registration fees or renewal penalties.
The vehicle cannot be used on public roads while in storage.
This is perfect for anyone with a scrapped vehicle, an extra car gathering dust, or one that’s temporarily out of use.
It’s also a way to comply with legal requirements while avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Why Should You Consider Motor Vehicle Storage?
There are many reasons why this service might be the right choice for you.
- Save Money: You don’t have to pay registration fees or penalties while your vehicle is in storage.
- Avoid Fines: If your vehicle isn’t roadworthy or registered, storing it keeps you within legal boundaries.
- Flexibility: When the time comes to use your vehicle again, you can easily reactivate it.
Think of this as a way to give yourself breathing space without extra costs.
Who Can File for Motor Vehicle Storage?
Any vehicle owner can apply for Motor Vehicle Storage, but there are a few conditions to meet:
- All outstanding fees, penalties, or charges must be settled.
- Your vehicle should not have active alarms, legal cases, or apprehensions in the LTO database.
- The vehicle must remain unused while in storage.
If your vehicle meets these requirements, you’re eligible to use this service.
What Do You Need to Prepare?
Before heading to the LTO, make sure you have these documents ready:
- Original Certificate of Registration (CR): If it’s lost, an affidavit of loss will be required.
- Official Receipt (OR): Proof of your last payment for registration.
- Vehicle Plates: If the plates are missing, submit an affidavit of loss instead.
Having these documents complete and ready will make your filing process smooth and hassle-free.
Steps to File for Motor Vehicle Storage
Filing for Motor Vehicle Storage doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Here’s a clear guide to get you through the process:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Make sure your CR, OR, and plates are ready, or prepare affidavits for missing items.
Step 2: Visit Your Local LTO Office
Go to the nearest district or extension office that processes Motor Vehicle Storage.
Arrive early to minimize wait times.
Step 3: Submit Your Requirements
Head to the customer service counter and submit your documents for verification.
The staff will check them for completeness.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
Proceed to the cashier and pay the following:
- Storage Fee: PHP 45
- Legal Research Fee: PHP 10
Keep the receipt—it’s your proof of transaction.
Step 5: Finalize Your Application
Submit your completed form, documents, and receipt to the designated counter.
Your application will then be processed.
Step 6: Wait for Approval
The LTO will confirm your application and secure your vehicle’s plates, CR, and OR.
Once approved, your vehicle will officially be in storage.
What Happens After Filing?
Your vehicle will remain in storage and cannot be used on public roads.
Attempting to drive it during this period can result in penalties or legal action.
Make sure to keep this in mind.
How to Reactivate Your Vehicle
If you decide to use your vehicle again, reactivating it is straightforward.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Original CR and OR
- Updated insurance certificate of coverage (COC)
- Emission compliance certificate (CEC)
- Valid Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)
Steps to Reactivate:
- Visit your chosen LTO office with the requirements.
- Submit the documents for verification.
- Pay the reactivation fees, including any applicable charges for extended storage.
- Have your vehicle inspected to confirm its roadworthiness.
- Retrieve your plates and CR once everything is in order.
Your vehicle will be back on the road, legally and safely.
Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR) Form
This document is used for assessing your vehicle’s roadworthiness, required for registration or storage applications at the LTO.
You can obtain this form from LTO offices or accredited Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers.
It captures details such as ownership, identification, and inspection results for vehicle parts, safety features, and emissions.
Fill it out with accurate information, including your vehicle’s registration and identification details, and leave the inspection sections for the LTO inspector to complete during the assessment.
This form ascertains your vehicle meets legal and safety standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can a Vehicle Stay in Storage?
The storage period is flexible, but you’ll need to reactivate the vehicle when you’re ready to use it again.
Extended storage may lead to additional steps during reactivation.
Can Storage Be Canceled?
Yes, you can cancel the storage period at any time by following the reactivation process.
What If I Lose My CR or Plates While in Storage?
You can file for replacements or submit affidavits of loss as part of the reactivation process.
Final Thoughts
Motor Vehicle Storage is a smart and practical option for those with inactive or unused vehicles.
It’s an affordable way to reduce costs, avoid penalties, and manage your vehicle responsibly.
If you’re ready to file, gather your documents and head to the nearest LTO office.
It’s a step that can save you money and give you peace of mind.